A solitary first-half goal from George Prince Karki saw Tribhuvan Army Club edge bottom-placed Saraswoti Youth Club 1-0 and move atop the Martyrs Memorial 'A' Division League standings on Thursday.

The departmental side created several opportunities throughout the match but poor finishing let them down in their pursuit of getting past Saraswoti custodian Pradeep Bhandari who had a busy day at the office. However, Karki was ideally placed in the area to convert Sesehang Angdembe's pass, breaking the deadlock with a smart one-touch goal in the 30th minute.

Saraswoti struggled in finding correct passes, pressing their opponents and appeared clearly out of ideas to maintain possession. The struggling bottom-placed club just could not contain the Army midfield.

Nawayug Shrestha, Santosh Tamang, Tanka Basnet all came close to doubling Army's lead, but none could get past Bhandari. Basnet's effort in the 75th minute was the closest that the Army outfit came to a second goal, as his attempt went out of play after brushing the post. Shrestha's acrobatic attempt five minutes from time also failed to find the direction it needed.

Despite dominating possession in two-thirds of the match with 14 shots on target, the Army wasted their opportunities to extend the goal difference. "We could have done better with the scoreline, but we failed in converting our opportunities. Issues persist in our frontline and we are working on that," Army coach Nabin Neupane said.

"We are happy with the three precious points considering the pressure we were under to reach the top spot in the league," Neupane added.

Despite the loss, Saraswoti coach Pradip Nepal approved of his team's display. "I am happy with the performance of the boys despite the defeat," he lauded. "We have to play better and make the opportunities count to lift ourselves in the League."

Earlier in the day, last season's runners up Sankata secured a 4-2 win over Armed Police Force Club. Nigerian forward Ajayi Martins Kayode was the outstanding performer for Sankata with a second-half brace after Lakshman Ruchal and Karna Limbu had found themselves in the scoresheet. Nabin Lama and Aashish Lama scored for the departmental side, also in the second half, but their effort was not adequate for APF to get something out of the match.

Fifth-placed Jawalakhel Youth Club play third-placed Machhindra in the clash which kicks off at noon on Saturday. The two sides, separated by a single point, are unbeaten in the league this season alongside Manang Marshyangdi who take on Himalayan Sherpa Club in the second match of the day at 3pm. Both matches will be played at the Dashrath Stadium.